By Staff for www.mcpherson-county-ks.com & www.facebook.com/mcphersoncountyks

            On Saturday, the Smoky Valley volleyball team participated in the SE of Saline Volleyball Tournament where they finished second overall.

            The tournament was full of volleyball power as five of the teams participating were ranked in the top-10 of their class division.

            Opening the tournament against Beloit, the Lady Vikings earned a hard fought 25-23 win in set one before stumbling twice in the final two sets, losing 20-25, 19-25. Adrian Hazelwood led Smoky Valley with 27 assists while Hope Duncan recorded 16 kills while making 15 digs.

            In their second match of pool play, Smoky Valley scored a straight set 25-19, 25-15 win over Abilene as Hazelwood recorded another 18 assists and Duncan and Blanchat combined to record 14 kills.

            Against Class 5A Salina South, the Lady Vikings prevailed again in straight sets, winning 25-23, 25-16 as Hazelwood dished out 23 assists while Duncan, Blanchat and Avery Ahlstedt combined to record 23 kills.

            Going up against Class 4A and unbeaten Circle, the Lady Vikings rose to the occasion and scored a hard fought, three-set victory by scores of 25-20, 17-25, 26-24. Hazelwood had another outstanding match with 29 assists with Duncan and Blanchat combining for another 30 kills while making 30 digs between them as well.

            High powered Hillsboro out played Smoky Valley in the tournament championship match winning 25-20, 25-13.

            The Lady Vikings are now 13-3 for the season and were scheduled to play their first home matches of the 2022 season on Tuesday against Lyons and Hillsboro.

SMOKY VALLEY LADY VIKINGS VOLLEYBALL at SE of Saline Tournament

Team Results:

Placed 2nd.

Match Results:

POOL PLAY =

Beloit – lost 25-23, 20-25, 19-25

Abilene – won 25-19, 25-15

Salina South – won 25-23, 25-16

SEMI-FINALS =

Circle – won 25-20, 17-25, 26-24

CHAMPIONSHIP =

Hillsboro – lost 20-25 13-25

TOP INDIVIDAUL STATS =

Adrian Hazelwood (jr.) had 109 assists and 30 digs.

Hope Duncan (jr.) had 58 kills and 65 digs.

Katja Blanchat (so.) had 41 kills and 44 digs.

(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)